Countrywide, the UK’s largest estate agency and property services group, has recently announced the acquisition of Hamptons International, and rights to expand across key locations including the UK, Europe and Asia. <br> <br> The agreement includes the global business operations of Hamptons International, one of the premier international residential agencies, and its network of more than 80 branches in the UK and overseas, with rights to further expand the brand globally. <br> <br> The acquisition forms a key part of Countrywide’s strategic plan to further expand into the high end property market, following the recent purchase of the Sotheby’s International Realty franchise in the UK. <br> <br> The sale was agreed with Dubai based Emaar Properties, which will continue to operate Hamptons International in the Middle East and North Africa, with Countrywide owning the rights to expand globally.